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Sausage and Ricotta Pasta Bake

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cuisine Italian

Ingredients
  

  • ½ lb whole wheat ziti
  • 1 cup baby portobello mushrooms sliced
  • 1 jar marinara sauce
  • 2 fully cooked chicken sausages cut into bite sized pieces
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 4 slices provolone cheese

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta: Prepare the ziti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Sauté the Mushrooms: While the pasta cooks, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a sauté pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5 minutes until they are slightly browned and tender. Set aside.​
  • Combine Ingredients: In a large casserole dish, mix together the cooked ziti, marinara sauce, chicken sausage pieces, sautéed mushrooms, and ricotta cheese. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish.​
  • Add Cheese Topping: Lay the slices of provolone cheese over the top of the pasta mixture, covering it completely.​
  • Bake: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-6 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.​
  • Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this comforting dish with a side of mixed greens or a simple salad.​

Notes

Plant-based: Sub ricotta cheese for silken tofu. Omit sausage. Use vegan cheese shreds instead of provolone.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and sausage.
Kid-friendly: Omit the mushrooms, use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of sausage.
Serve with: Leftover veggies or bagged salad.
Keyword Pork